Vertex Omega 180i or Reef Octopus Prime 200int ??

[tytown]

I can only speak for the reef octopus. Ive been running an Elite 220-INT for over 6 months and Im quite happy with it. Though the Elite series has the new RO DC pump so I cant really compare to what pump is used on the Prime I have been impressed with the body construction, tun-ability, and servicability.
I think they are both great looking skimmers and you wont be any worse off with one than the other. Maybe throw the BM curve 9 in the mix?
On another note, if you can stretch the budget (I dont know what the current price differnence is..) the Elite 200 has the same body but the DC controllable pump. Even though I have a controller I still find the feed and speed setting buttons really useful when doing waterchanges or mucking about in the sump when your skimmer would otherwise overflow. And who doesnt love techy reefing harware with buttons and lights?!